The APA explains that it has condemned Agropecuária Valinho for 15 very serious environmental infractions, nine of them in recurrence and 10 with possible intent.

This fine will be one of the highest in Portugal, stresses the APA in the statement.

The conviction was for “carrying out residual discharges into water” in the case of the Tagus and Ribeiras do Oeste Hydrographic Region.

"This is an administrative decision, already notified and not yet final and unappealable, relating to 15 administrative proceedings (referring to 10 different pig farms operated by the same company) that had terms against the same defendant (legal person)”, says the APA in the communiqué.

The farm was condemned for the practice, according to the APA, of six infractions related to the improper placement of degraded water, and nine infractions “for the use of water resources without the respective title”.

At the same time, the company is ordered to close the agricultural operation of Vale Meiriço, in the municipality of Alenquer, for a maximum period of three years.

The company is also ordered to take measures to prevent environmental damage resulting from the additional sanction of closure, to prevent the abandonment and degradation of facilities, such as the correct disposal of residual water accumulated on the site.